Atlas, Kodiak Expand Driverless Truck Fleet to 100 by Mid-2027 as Public-Road Runs Near
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 10
Atlas, Kodiak Expand Driverless Truck Fleet to 100 by Mid-2027 as Public-Road Runs Near
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 10
Summary
Atlas and Kodiak plan to grow their driverless sand-hauling fleet from 28 trucks to 100 by mid-2027, with public-road operations targeted for early 2027 pending operational milestones.
Two depots now run simultaneously in Texas and New Mexico, extending coverage across the Permian Basin and linking with Atlas's 42-mile Dune Express conveyor to speed final deliveries to well sites.
28 trucks had completed about 7,000 loads, moved more than 450,000 tons of sand and logged over 23,500 driverless hours by March 31; the fleet also set a one-day record of 176 loads on July 20.
Kodiak says its trucks pull over during unsafe weather or critical mechanical, sensor or communications failures, while a command center can assist remotely; it also cites a 98/100 Nauto safety score tied for best among 1,000-plus fleets.
The expansion marks a shift from private industrial roads toward public highways, putting greater pressure on Atlas, Kodiak and regulators to prove safety, emergency response and cybersecurity in real-world traffic.
While Kodiak boasts record-breaking autonomous deliveries, how will emergency responders handle a catastrophic crash involving a driverless triple-trailer on a Texas highway?
As 135-ton driverless trucks prepare to hit public roads in 2027, what hidden cybersecurity vulnerabilities could allow hackers to hijack these highway giants?